I continue to explore the NAEYC website and reap the benefits of membership! Under "Topics" I found a wealth of information on the importance of Play. This week's study of the impact of science, politics, and economics, led me to focus quite a bit on the importance of play and the need to preserve childhood as pressure to test and "skill-drill" edges out time to explore and use the imagination.
I found several articles on practical suggestions for scaffolding learning through specific forms of play including make-believe, playdoh, blocks, and manipulatives, linking specific standards with activities involved in play.
One form of play that some might view as controversial is "rough and tumble" play. Some feel it is not safe and too disruptive in the preschool setting. NAEYC gives a sneak peak into one of their books written by Fances Carlson entitled "Big Body Play: Why Boisterous, Vigorous, and Very Physical Play is Essential to Children's Development and Learning". The book points out not only the physical benefits of this type of play, but also the cognitive, social, and emotional development that evolves from it.
Another interesting section of the website called "Research News You Can Use" had an article called "More Threats to Preschoolers' Play" by Kyle Snow. The article focused on three reasons why play is dwindling at preschool - concerns about child safety, pressure to focus on academics, limited space and equipment for big body play. The article stressed the importance of meeting safety guidelines and vigilant monitoring of play time, it also emphasized the meaningful learning opportunities that evolve out of play, and listed resources to help programs acquire safe play equipment.
As the new school year approaches and I begin to plan using developmentally appropriate practices I am finding valuable, practical resources on the website to assist me as I evaluate my classroom and make changes to be more child-centered and effective.
http://www.naeyc.org
Hi Suzanne
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that you focused on the rough and tumble type of play as this was something that I noticed was lacking when I did our observations at daycares. This gross motor play was strongly discouraged and seen as aggressive in all the daycares that I visited. Any type of physical contact was discouraged by the educators. In the elementary school I visited, they had “hands off” rules. While I understand these rules have developed due to safety concerns, I do think that children miss out on the social aspects of this type of physical contact.
Carolyn
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the organizations we have been learning about are such great resources for our practices in the classroom, which I consider is one of the goals of this assignment.
Talking about the rough and tumble play, I have heard parents who are concerned about the aggressive attitudes their children have when playing with their siblings or classmates, and after explaining them that it is part of their development, I understand their confusion because, while we see it from our professional perspective, while we are worry about their safety too, parents are worry about the children’s safety, and their concerns are understandable too.
Yes, Caty, you are right. I think parents have to be assured that this type of play is closely monitored so that it doesn't get out of hand.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteI have not look closely at the book on rough and tumble play, but as I was looking at the website yesterday I had noticed it. Funny, in my preschool we were lucky. Each week our Adaptive Physical Education Teacher came in and spent two hours within my classes. She worked hard at encouraging strong physical play though was able to structure it. For example, we had tunnels out for climbing through, great gross motor fun, crawling fast and furiously. She too would set up mats horizontally and have children hit and throw balls at the mats, or hit balloons over the mats. The children did not necessarily have physical contact with each other but they were being rough. They were able to use f strong force. They would have opportunities to run fast and wipe out on mats or drive scooters fast. Another way to exhaust some of that energy is I let children have big wheels. These are great because they have to work hard to pump them to get them going fast. In my classroom I had a mini tramp, sounds silly but we would take breaks during the day to jump..Another example we had a small hill behind my classroom. The kids and I would roll down the hill...then run as fast as we could to get back up it.... I think there are ways to help children enjoy rough and tumble play... structured, with safety in mind... Opportunities to expend energy and play hard are an essential part of childhood. I am so glad that you took the time to highlight this subject.
I too am impressed with the NAEYC website. My hope is to order some of their books they are great resources. I applaud you in taking the time to research ways to make the classrooms you serve child centered.
Millie
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteThe NAEYC organization is a great website that provides research and information for educators. Also, than you for the site with the research on play. I have always advocated play in early childhood education.
Thank you for sharing this great information on rough and tumble play! As I was reading I was actually thinking about my two new puppies (12 weeks & 10 months). Of course they are participating in rough and tumble play. I had to do research and bring in a trainer to help us determine what is appropriate and what are the behaviors that need to be redirected or stopped. Sometimes it is hard to watch them "fighting" because you think one will get hurt, but in reality, they won't, they are learning!
ReplyDeleteThat is the same thing as the two's that I taught last year. Just like with my puppies, parents and teachers need those explicit guidelines to know what is appropriate and what needs to be stopped or redirected. Two's need to move and move with other children to learn their personal space, strength, and abilities.
I am going to have to look out for this book and see if I can't get my hands on it!